How to Make a Hurricane Preparedness Kit

If you live in an area where hurricanes are possible, you will want to be prepared for them.  Nothing is worse than being in a near-disaster situation and having nothing ready or available because you didn’t think ahead.  Making a hurricane preparedness kit for your family is easy.  Every person needs the same basic things, which will comprise the “core” of your kit, then specialty items for your particular needs or situation are added to that to complete the preparedness kit.

To start with, you will want a container or containers for your kit.  These should be portable (like backpacks or book bags), have plenty of space and pockets for the items to be contained in them, and should be clearly labeled as an emergency kit.

The number of containers you’ll need will depend on the number of people you need to be prepared for.  If you have a family of four, you will likely need at least two bags – one for each adult or well-grown child to carry.  Each kit will have a “core” supply for two people in it as well as any extras that might be needed.  In this way, if one kit isn’t retrieved or available during the storm, you at least have half of your items and essentials with you.

The core of your kit will include the following items:

• Non-perishable food (canned goods, survival biscuits, etc. in a 72-hour quantity per person)
• Water (1 gallon per day per person is recommended)
• Utensils and tools for opening/using, the above items (can opener, a good knife, etc.).
• One AA or better (AA, C, or D-cell) flashlight plus an extra set of batteries.
• 3 or more large sized garbage bags (33 gallon bags).
• Toilet paper, hand soap, toothpaste and toothbrush.
• Battery operated radio, preferably with a wind-up backup.
• First aid kit and instructions.
• An adjustable wrench or heavy pliers suitable for shutting off valves to close off water, gas, and other potential hazards entering your home during a storm.

These are the barest essentials for you to have in your kit.  After these, you will add specific extras that you need to keep yourself and loved ones safe.  Anyone on medications should have at least 3 days worth in the bag.  Baby formula and diapers for the little ones, if needed.  A 72-hour diaper bag is a good idea, but should be over and above basic diapering and feeding in your “grab and go” bag.

Other ideas like toys, board or card games, and entertainment items that don’t require electricity to operate are also a good idea.  Especially with children.

This comprises your basic 72-hour hurricane preparedness kit.  It should cover most of your most basic needs during an event.  Other things to consider are valuables, important documents, and so forth.  These should be stored in a water-tight, fireproof safe (available at most department and hardware stores).  Having them in a portable version may be a good idea, though this could raise theft or security issues.

You should also keep a running list of important (expensive) household items, including serial numbers, purchase price, and month/year of purchase in your safe.  This is for insurance purposes and will help you greatly in figuring your losses after the event is over.

Although a hurricane is scary and can be dangerous, if you’re prepared for it, you have a much better chance of getting through without anything more than a lot of inconvenience.